Over the past few minecraft releases, there has been a known bug regarding connectivity issues. More specifically, for versions: 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, and 1.12. This bug has nothing to do with mojang/microsoft, or the source code of minecraft, it's actually directly related to your system (computer), router, and/or modem. This doesn't have to do with your version of minecraft.

This bug, is commonly referred to as the "Unknown Host" error. With this, you are unable to join the server you want to play on and as a result, you become frustrated. After checking that the IP that you entered was correct, you're unsure what the root cause of the problem is, why it's happening to you, and how quickly you can resolve this issue so you can join the server you've been longing to join.

Well, you've come to the right place! Here, I will be offering my solution(s) to this problem.

However, before you dive in, ask a friend who isn't the server host and the server host to see if that server is actually up and running and working for other people. If it is, and you are still given this error, then read further:

Other to VPN or using a different network, there is an alternative way to fix this issue.

My solution(s) below modify your DNS network settings on your local system. MacOSX, Linux, and Windows solutions are provided. If you are in need of assistance with a specific configuration (especially with Linux or Windows) just comment below.

Mac OSX

1. Go to System Preferences and choose Network.

2. Under Network, make sure that Wireless is selected (if using an ethernet cable, please select ethernet on left side).

3. Select Advanced and then go to the DNS Section of this menu.

4. Navigate to the + sign below the 'DNS Servers' Section, click it.

5. There, type in 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220 (you may add both, but one should work alone)

6. If this does not work, Click Cancel, and then at the bottom click Revert.

2. Add the DNS Servers of 208.67.222.222 or 208.67.220.220 (you may add both, but one should work alone)

3. If these steps do not work, you may visit the following link and enter the above servers when requested: Windows 10 and below

Linux/Unix/BSD

I have not used Linux/Unix systems in awhile, but this will help you to add the name servers using the shell/terminal. You do not need to do the steps after ADDING THE NAMESERVERS. THE NAMESERVERS LISTED AT THE LINK ARE THE SAME AS : 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220

All research has been found/done on my own. If you have any specific questions, especially with MacOSX, please feel free to message me or comment below.

If the information above has not worked for you, please, before commenting / messaging, read through the other comments to see if someone else has had or is having a similar issue. My general comment response time is a few days.

When commenting, please beas specific as possible. I want to help as best as I can and that requires clear questions.

If even after my response there has been no help, I recommend trying VPN and / or changing your external IP address, either through VPN or by switching routers / locations.

So my friend has issues with connecting to my server as it says "Unknown host". But tis is just for my server. I checked if it I can connect through other PCs other than mine (the hosting one) and it didn't work as well. So, what can be wrong with my server? I track my IPv4 every day, change it in the router's forwarding and in the properties file. We both don't have the bought version of Minecraft (we are cheap scrubs :D), but I run it with online mode being set on false, so I have no idea what the problem is. Please help. Any support is wellcomed, because we've done so much progress, that I don't think we'll accept giving it up.

So I followed what you said and it didn't work with a new dns. I can connect to hypixel and cube craft and basically any other server than the one i want to and i know its typed right and i know the server is up. vpn didn't not help either but im not sure what it really is and it is strange because i have ran this server on my internet before but i have a new computer now and this is the first time i have ever had problems using this server and it sucks because i just spent money on the server lol, but i cant try another network because it is a PC and not a laptop. Any help is appreciated let me know if you need more info. Im on windows 10. If you have any good free vpn please let me know also.

Yes, and it still says that it's invalid. I'm trying to connect to one of my friends server and it just doesn't allow me to enter because of Invalid Host or something. This has also happened to me with a couple of other servers as well and I still can't find a solution to my problem.

i have tried using multiple DNS servers but none will work, it keeps telling me that they are invalid, i have gone to https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/#/ and used their DNS guide and servers as-well, but nothing is working. i hope you see this as i have been attempting to try and fix this for a few months now.

Well it's certainly much harder to pinpoint your issue, as I'm not sure which operating system you are currently running. I presume Windows 8 or 10?

Also, have you tried Google Public DNS?

Also check out this Link. It'll give you maybe some direction. You could be inputting an IPv4 address into an IPv6 box (this is most likely). If so, search for information on finding OpenDNS / Google Public DNS servers that match IPv6 format.

The steps aren't working. I'm on Windows 10 and can't seem to find all the buttons. I looked at the link you gave AlexJohn1 and still couldn't find things. I'll add a link to some screen shots of what I saw/did. What buttons do I press?Click for Pics

I went through looking at other things you gave another person, spicificly Google Public DNS and it worked! I'm literly crying I love this server so much and it has been weeks since I was last able to do it. Thanks so much! New diamond, sub, and favorite!!!

Changing your DNS settings on your computer will in no way harm your computer. In fact, those DNS ip's belong to google. Now opening your firewall either on your computer / router has risks– especially if it's your home network. The thing that people mistakenly forget to realize is that your firewall protects people from accessing any data computers have stored on your network. That being credit card information, social security, you name it. In fact, that's why I suggest you don't do that and try VPN first. Use turning down your firewall as a last resort, and talk seriously with your parents before doing so.

In terms of viruses, as I'm sure that's what you're most afraid of (and I don't blame you), but no this will not make you more susceptible to getting them on your computer. Actually, it comes down to what you click on / download.

Currently, most servers aren't yet 1.9 besides large server networks (i.e hypixel, mineplex, etc). So if you are talking about servers that haven't specifically said they've updated, then that's most likely the problem.

Again, as far as my solution above, I dod suggest that you read through the rest of the comments, as I usually give insight to other problems. Like I have recommended to most people, try using a VPN program as a temporary solution, and if that doesn't work just re-reply to this. Hotspot shield is one that I recommend (works for both windows & mac and offers a free version). Of course there are others out there.

Also if you could also see if other people you know can access these servers via 1.9 vs. 1.8 that would be beneficial information, thanks.

I am on a Mac. I turned off the firewall, my internet is connected, the server ip is right, and this does not work. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. The server staff even gave me a different IP to try with just numbers, but that doesn't work EITHER. The server works on my dad's laptop and my Grandma's computer (not a laptop), but IT WON'T WORK ON THIS FAMILY COMPUTER (not a laptop). Sorry this is like a year late. It's a bending server with the Project Korra plugin, if that helps. I tried the fix you said with both DNS number thingies. I have no clue what to do. Please help; I really like this server.

1. My ways above explicitly describe how to work around these issues without a third-party vpn application, the vpn application is the end all if none of the other methods in the article/in the comments work.

2. I'm not fully sure what you are referring to. My method described above adds a DNS server to your computer's network configuration, as the default ones provided by your internet service provider are sometimes the issue. So as a wrap up– this modification is for your computer, not your router.

3. Again, not sure what you are asking here. Your router transmits the a wireless signal which is then connected to your modem and that's connected to the internet line. So you can't "unblock the router for your wifi" that's not how the processs works. To unblock specific ports (like those for minecraft servers), either your internet service provider (comcast/verizon are examples) will have a service panel (with a username and password) and you can change your firewall there (only do this with parental permission). Alternatively, if you have just a modem provided by in-town networking, your router should have firewall settings and the manual should have information.

4. I can make another tutorial/blog about doing some of this stuff, but it really depends on what you want it to be about. I need you to be more specific. When it comes to turning off your firewall, well its long and strenuous to put down the information for every router and ISP on the market. There are plenty of customer support desks that can help you with that.

I am using a Mac Mini and followed the instruction from your Mac solution. I tried both network DNS IPs and neither worked. Even when applied, the server would still not connect, even after closing and reopening Minecraft, restarting my computer, ect. I've had this issue with a few other servers over the past month or so.

Have you checked if these servers' ips have not changed? That could be issue #1.

If the server IP's have not changed, it is highly likely that the port they are using (if different from the default 25565) is blocked by either your computer's firewall or your modem's firewall.

Look at the reply to laf510 down below for the first solution. A second solution would be to check your router firewall and/or the firewall provided by your current internet provider. An example would be Comcast, which has 3 different firewall settings with specific ports that are blocked. When I had the highest firewall on, I could only connect to 25565 servers...

Hello I am a Mac user. This problem has been happening with a few specific servers only. A naruto minecraft server and a SAO minecraft server. I played it at my friends house the other day and it worked just fine. I came home to play it and it said "Can't resolve hostname". Then I clicked on it and it said "Unknown host". I'm not sure what to do and I really want to play on the SAO server. To play on the SAO server you need to be on 1.7.2-1.7.5. [Skype: laf510 Kik: laf510]

Everything that is above should help you solve this error. If not, the only other option is a temporary one. Since I am Mac Native as well, I tend to choose this particular VPN in place of any other. (Link: Here ) You do not have to pay, just click the try for free and follow the instructions. This should allow you to access the servers.

Most often the server's ip address is blocked by your own home router so masking your ip address should resolve that issue.

The reason I commented is because I do not give out my skype to people nor do I message them there. If you want contact with me msg me here.

Hi! I am having a ton of trouble with this error. I okay on a minecraft server called battlepvp, and its been saying unknown host for 4 days now. I, also have a mac so i was wondering if i could get some specific help. The one above didnt work. If you know a way feel free to hit me up on here or on skype chunkymonkey104

If it has been 4 days now, could you please check and make sure the IP address is up to date. If the server uses a domain name as an IP, this shouldn't be the issue, but servers change their IP's all the time (sort of server host protocol).

If you look at the comment below, I reccomend to the other person to try Google Public DNS. If you click the link, you should be able to find specific information regarding that and how to set it up on macintosh.

You could also have an issue with version, so check that as well.

If these do not work, please reply to comment or message me directly on planetminecraft and I will see what I can do.